The primary function of the new Plant Study and Production Facility will be to grow plants for floral shows and exhibitions in the Conservatory, and for planting throughout Franklin Park including the new Community Garden Campus. Although this will be a “working greenhouse” to support the Conservatory’s horticulture needs, it will also provide needed space and resources for environmental, conservation and science education.

The Conservatory is in the planning stages of developing a two-tiered program of expansion of its environmental and science offerings that would allow the Conservatory to better serve its current audience and further increase its reach. The first tier of programs would tie into the Conservatory.s School Trip Program and add depth to science courses that are already offered such as Botany Basics (grades 4-12), Living Things (K-8) and Blooms & Butterflies (K-8). The second tier would offer special programs aimed at high school students that would provide in-depth study of current trends in plant science. These new programs would involve students over longer timeframes (semester, year, several years) to provide in-depth science principles and knowledge that would help train future scientists and researchers.

The new Plant Study and Production Facility and the new and expanded environmental, conservation and science classes it will support will ensure that the Conservatory remains a relevant institution that can augment and enrich offerings from local schools. By expanding the Conservatory’s programming we help produce good environmental stewards and prepare future scientists.